Writers come in all shapes and forms. The most common are novelists or maybe journalists, but those that are inspired to put words on paper can use any form they like to get their message across. In these days of modern technology, some writers don’t even write anymore. They dictate their thoughts onto voice recorders, and then transfer them straight into a word program. The program edits and spell checks for them before placing it and its final format. This makes it easy for scribes to be working at all times as they can get their words down anywhere. They can be in their car, on the bus, or even walking down the sidewalk.

One advantage of this is that as soon as inspiration hits them, they can get it down immediately while the thought is still fresh. Many writers still like to do it the old-fashioned way though. They prefer to sit at home at their desk and let the words flow from a more quiet place. Some even still use a typewriter instead of any word processor or computer. They find that the click and clack of the keys helps the thoughts come from their mind and down onto the paper. Musicians are another form of popular writer. Most don’t think of a singer in the same light as a novelist, but the same creative juices must flow to get the song out of their head and onto the page.

If you look closely, you will see that the thoughts conveyed and the emotions transferred are just as real in any case. When songwriters like Jon Kois start a new project it is in the same spirit as any other writer. Jon takes breaks from beginning drum lessons to work on several projects, and his craft is just as potent as any poet or short story scribe. While these days we hear many new pop songs which just seems so generic and silly, we forget about the serious song writers who pour their heart and soul into their craft. Remember the 60s, with Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan. They took the feelings of an entire generation and turn them into songs that everyone could relate to and feel a part of. So the next time you listen to a song, think about the pain or joy that the song writer had to convey from thought to word.

When you first start writing finding your own voice and writing style is challenging, you want your writing to appeal to the widest audience possible and you can end up sacrificing your own style to do that. That is a mistake. Your “voice” is more than just your particular style of writing it is made up of things like sentence structure, the flow of your writing and the words you use. It is the dialogue that you create and the use of punctuation, your voice is unique and it defines you as a writer.

What is a Writer’s Voice

If you want to identify voice and understand what it is then you need to take a look at some of your favorite writers and their style. Think of some of the greats like Mark Twain, JD Salinger, Jane Austen and Ernest Hemingway, think for a minute about why you like their writing and what appeals to you. Can you hear their voice? Analyze the writing style that pulls you in, can you feel the individual personality of each author? The writer’s voice is more than just style it is their very heart and soul put to paper. It is how they see the world and it is evident in the flow of their writing. Here is some help in identifying voice.

Finding Your Voice

When you first start writing you may not be able to identify your own voice. Voice can come with experience and confidence in your ability as a writer. Here are some tips to help you find your own style of writing.

1 Read

Make a point of reading different books in different genres, for example science fiction writers aren’t going to have the same voice as Victorian era authors. Identify the writer’s voice and what makes their writing unique. Are they excellent with dialogue or with world building? What style elements are present in their work and how do they tell a story that draws you in.

2 Start Writing

Write, write some more and keep writing even after that. The more you hone your craft the better you will be at it. You will soon discover your own voice and style. Do you focus on detail or is your writing more punchy? Do you have a tendency to ramble or are you succinct and to the point? What are the qualities of your protagonist? Do you write in a more conversational tone or are you just a bit sardonic.

3 Work with Others

Writing groups can be tremendously helpful for a new writer or someone trying to define their own style. You can give the other writers in the group some samples of your writing and get them to critique for you. You can do the same for them and it will help you hone your skill in detecting another writer’s voice.

Your voice is going to come from your own experiences and your experiences in life. It flavors your writing and makes it stand out from all the other aspiring writers out there. Don’t be afraid to allow your uniqueness to shine through!

It is the job of a writer to produce quality writing that will satisfy the reader. Depending on the type of writing you do, it may mean mixing creativity with quality or for more technical writers it may mean taking a complex concept and making it understandable. But, from time to time every will face the problem of writer’s block. It happens most often to writers who repeatedly create similar content. It happens to almost every writer at some point in their career, but it can overcome. Here are 5 tips to help you overcome writer’s block.

Take a Break

Writers love to write but when writer’s block happens, producing quality content seems like a near impossible task. At this point it is time to take a break, if you try and force yourself to continue writing that is when the quality suffers. For most writers writing is a passion and even when it is your job it is rooted in your creativity. When you feel stuck step back from the keyboard and try something different, go outside and get some fresh air or try a different activity, you may find your muse in the most unexpected place.

Impulsive Writing

Impulsive writing or as it is sometimes called automatic writing just means sitting behind your keyboard and letting the words flow out. It doesn’t have to make sense nor does it have to be part of your assignment it is just flexing your creative muscles. This helps many writers find their creative flow once again and they can get back to the task at hand.

Turn on the Music

It is far easier to be creative when you are doing something that you like. Music can be extremely inspiring so grab your headphones and turn on your favorite music. Music stimulates the creative part of the brain and you may find it so much easier to let the words flow.

Do Some Research

Sometime the reason you can’t write is because of a lack of information. You have to write about a topic but you’re not quite comfortable with the level of knowledge you have on the subject. Hop onto Google and start doing some research, learn more about your subject and that will help you feel more comfortable writing about it.

Love What You Do

It is always easier to do a job you love than one you dread. Even writers who write for a living struggle to get through the day if they hate what they are doing. Writing about subjects that are boring or complex can make you dread what you are doing. Doing what you love always makes your job much easier.

Writers have all experienced writer’s block at one point or another and some have developed their own tips and tricks for getting past it. If this is your first time you can try these 5 tips to help you overcome writer’s block.

2 months agoby writing.tipsHappy New Year everyone!! I can’t believe there are over 50,000 of you guys here now! That’s incredible!!! I never expected this many people when I started this and I’m so happy and grateful to have been able to connect with you guys and create something useful for all the fellow writers out there Thank you!!! Of course, more tips are on the way! AND I’m still working on The Little Book of Writing Motivation for you guys. It’s in the works and it should be complete very soooon… Now onto the post! I just wanted to make a very quick